Ohio Identity Theft Unit helps victims recover $250,000 in first year

In its first year, Ohio’s Identity Theft Unit helped adjust about $250,000 in disputed charges, Attorney General Mike DeWine announced on Wednesday.
As a part of the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section, the unit investigated more than 600 complaints.
“We created the Identity Theft Unit to help individuals fix problems they couldn’t solve on their own,” DeWine said. “We know that the recovery process for identity theft victims is often long and frustrating. We want to do all we can to help.”
The unit works with creditors, collectors, police and credit reporting agencies on behalf of victims to help correct problems caused by identity theft, according to a release.
These problems can include fraudulent accounts created in a victim’s name, tax identity theft and family member identity theft.
The unit offers victims two types of help. The Traditional Assistance Program, which requires that a police report be filed, has an advocate work for the victim, while the Self Help Program gives victims a guide on how to correct problems related to identity theft on their own.
To learn more or to use the Identity Theft Unit, visit www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov call the Attorney General’s Office 800-282-0515.

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